The Republic of Croatia, through its President Zoran Milanović, has paid tribute to Stipe Miočić, a prominent American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter of Croatian descent. Miočić was awarded a high state decoration, the Order of Danica Hrvatska with the image of Franjo Bučar, for his exceptional contribution to promoting the reputation and interests of Croatia in the United States of America. This decoration also recognizes the pride with which Miočić emphasized his Croatian origin and heritage throughout his long and exceptionally successful sports career.

The award ceremony was held at the Office of the President of the Republic. On this occasion, President Milanović expressed his particular pleasure and honor in decorating Miočić. "Your active sports journey has concluded, and we in Croatia, as well as all sports enthusiasts, followed it with great attention and strong fan fervor," President Milanović emphasized while presenting the decoration to the retired MMA great.

Impressive career and promotion of Croatia

In his address, President Milanović referred to Miočić's sports career as "impressive." He especially thanked Miočić for everything he did to promote Croatia on the international stage. "Your appearances with the Croatian coat of arms and national insignia did not go unnoticed," the President stressed, alluding to Miočić's practice of wearing Croatian symbols during his fights, thereby significantly contributing to Croatia's visibility in the world of sports. Stipe Miočić, born on August 19, 1982, is considered one of the greatest heavyweights in the history of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). During his career, he was a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. He will be remembered as the fighter who defended the heavyweight title the most times, three times consecutively in his first run to the top, and a total of four times. His professional record includes 20 wins and only 4 losses, with 15 wins by knockout. In addition to his sports career, Miočić is also known as a firefighter-paramedic in Ohio, demonstrating his commitment to the community even outside the octagon.

President Milanović also addressed Stipe Miočić's mother, Mrs. Katherine Miočić, who visited Croatia again after fifty years. "Your pride is probably immense, not only because of this decoration but primarily because of your son's success. This success is, at the beginning and at the end, a personal and family success of a small community of a few people. As much as we are proud of your achievements, it is above all the success of you and your loved ones," the President concluded, emphasizing the importance of family support in achieving top results.

Emotional reaction of Stipe Miočić

Visibly moved by the received recognition, Stipe Miočić stated: "I am not a man of many words, and at this moment, I am truly overwhelmed with emotions. This is a surreal experience. I am in an incredible country, and I can only say thank you, Mr. President, for this today. I am grateful to you, I am grateful to all the people, and I think it cannot get better than this. You really don't know how much this means to me." These words confirm the deep connection Miočić feels with Croatia and his gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him.

Recently, on June 3, 2025, Stipe Miočić also received his Croatian citizenship certificate, thereby formally confirming his Croatian citizenship. On that occasion, in Banski dvori, he met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, to whom he gifted his MMA gloves.

Participation in the Sunset Sports Media Festival in Zadar

Stipe Miočić's visit to Croatia was also motivated by his participation in the Sunset Sports Media Festival, a significant sports and business event being held these days, from June 5 to 7, 2025, in Zadar, the pearl of Dalmatia. As one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Miočić was announced as the main guest of this year's fourth edition of the festival. The event brings together numerous distinguished figures from the world of sports, media, technology, and business, making Zadar a center for sports and business meetings. Miočić's participation in a panel on the second day of the festival, June 6, is expected to attract great attention. His story of success, perseverance, and connection to his Croatian roots will surely inspire many. The organizers emphasized that Miočić's arrival further affirms Croatia as an excellent host for major international events and a key destination for connecting sports and business leaders. After his festival commitments in beautiful Zadar, Miočić plans to spend a vacation with his family on the Croatian coast.

High-ranking guests at the ceremony

The ceremony at the Office of the President of the Republic, alongside Stipe Miočić, was attended by members of his family: his wife Ryan Marie Miočić, children Meelah Claire Miočić and Mateo Cruz Miočić, mother Katherine Miočić, and mother-in-law Jean Marie Carney. His assistant Hayley Cohen was also in attendance. The event was also attended by representatives of the Sunset Sports Media Festival, director Damjan Rudež, a former NBA player, and the director of communications and marketing of the company Millenium promocija, Filip Orlić, who hosted Miočić in Croatia.

Alongside the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, the ceremony was attended by high-ranking state officials: Head of the President's Office Bartol Šimunić, Presidential Commissioner for Sports Tomislav Paškvalin, Presidential Advisor for Foreign and European Policy Neven Pelicarić, Presidential Advisor for Education Jadranka Žarković, Secretary General of the Office of the President Dinko Suton, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Goran Grobotek, Special Presidential Advisor for Economy Velibor Mačkić, Assistant Advisor to the President for Foreign and European Policy Ivan Mutavdžić, Assistant Advisor to the President for Economy Martina Ciglević, and Head of the Military Office of the Cabinet for Defense and National Security of the Office of the President, Brigadier General Ivica Kranjčević. Their presence further emphasized the importance of this event and the respect that the Republic of Croatia shows towards the achievements of Stipe Miočić.

The Order of Danica Hrvatska with the image of Franjo Bučar is awarded for special merits in sports, and Franjo Bučar (1866-1946) was a versatile sports figure, writer, and historian, one of the founders of numerous sports federations in Croatia and a promoter of Olympism. The highest state award for sport in Croatia also bears his name. By awarding this decoration to Stipe Miočić, Croatia not only recognizes his sporting successes but also strengthens ties with its diaspora and emphasizes the importance of sport as a platform for the country's international promotion. Miočić's story, from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of world MMA sport, with constant emphasis on his love for the homeland of his ancestors, serves as an inspiration to many, both in Croatia and around the world.